2026-8-24_CDS_SS_Briefings (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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crossing structures. The Draft FONSI likewise states that the closure is permanent. The Draft EA identifies a closure area of approximately 4,888 acres. The difference between a five-year temporary closure and a permanent closure is substantive.A member of the public may support a temporary, monitored closure while opposing an indefinite restriction on public access. Conversely, a person reading the notice could reasonably conclude that a permanent closure is not under consideration and elect not to comment. Under 36 CFR § 218.24(b)(1), the legal notice must include the title and a brief description of the proposed project or activity. In addition, commenters must provide specific written comments during the designated comment period to preserve eligibility to participate in the subsequent objection process. See 36 CFR § 218.25(a)(3). The Forest Service should therefore clarify which action is proposed and ensure that the public notice, Draft EA,Draft FONSI, and Decision Notice consistently describe the same action. If the proposed action is a permanent closure,the County requests the Forest Service provide a properly noticed opportunity to comment specifically on that action. The County recognizes that the 30 day comments period for an EA generally may not be extended under 36 CFR § 218.25(a)(1)(iv). However, if the current notice materially misdescribed the action, the Forest Service should determine the appropriate procedural mechanism to provide meaningful notice and an opportunity to comment on the action actually proposed. 2. Documents incorporated by reference or relied upon in the Draft EA must be publicly accessible. The Draft EA states that it ties to the 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Final Environmental Impact Statement(FEIS)and incorporates that FEIS and Record of Decision(ROD)by reference. It also relies upon or refers readers to other supporting materials, including: • I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East FEIS and Section 4(f) Evaluation; • I-90 SPE Record of Decision; • I-90 SPE Appendix D—MDT Recommendation Package; • Recreation impact and recreation lands technical documents; • Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan documents; • National FHWA/USDA Forest Service MOU; and • Barrueto et al. (2014). • Forest Plan, Implementation-plan, and other materials cited in the Recreation Specialist Report. Several Forest Service Box links identified in the Draft EA and supporting Recreation Specialist Report returned message: "This shared file or folder link has been removed or is unavailable to you." A screenshot of that message is attached.